The Federal Government is to deploy 700 military personnel would be deployed to Liberia for Peace Keeping operations.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed this during the Graduation Ceremony of Nigerian Army Battalion (NIBATT) 38 United Nation Mission in Liberia, (UNMIL) in Kaduna.
The COAS, who was represented at the graduation ceremony by the Chief of Training and Operation, Maj. Gen, Hassan Umaru, said the deployment was being undertaken by the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre (NAPKC) Jaji, Kaduna state.
The COAS, however, warned the officers and soldiers to avoid untoward incidents that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army and the nation.
He said the Nigerian Army would not accept any situation where its troops were seen as soft targets or conducting themselves in unprofessional manner such as engagement in dealing with illicit substances.
He said: “I must also remind you of the United Nations zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.
“The Nigeria Army and indeed the Nigerian Government will not tolerate the contravention of these policies and directives.
“Defaulters will be sanctioned appropriately, and you must work within the Rules of Engagement of the mission. You must respect the culture and religious sensitivity of the people of Liberia.”
The Commandant of the NAPKC, Brig. Gen. Adamu Dauda, urged them to always be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation.
Dauda said the NIBATT 38 UNMIL commenced the Pre-Deployment Training four weeks ago, which the training was intensive and comprehensive.
“We remained committed to providing enabling environment for learning,” the Commandant said. NAN
